Eagles ship Havili to Colts for Geathers

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles shifted gears Thursday moments after rush linebacker Victor Butler spurned them for Rob Ryan and a two-year deal with the New Orleans Saints.

The Eagles acquired defensive end Clinton Geathers from the Indianapolis Colts for fullback Stanley Havili.

Geathers (6-7, 325) is a 2010 sixth-round pick of the Browns who registered a sack last year after being promoted from the practice squad to replace the nose tackle.

The Eagles think Geathers has the size and just enough athleticism to set the edge at defensive end in the 3-4. They also think he can play tackle.

Havili was going to have a tough time making the Eagles, who want to make considerable use of H-back James Casey. Casey was signed to a three-year, $12.5 million contract to play tight end and fullback.

Havili is the third player the Eagles traded to the Colts, who have been constructed by general manager Ryan Grigson, formerly of the Eagles. Offensive tackle Winston Justice and linebacker Moise Fokou also were dealt to the Colts.

Butler visited the Eagles earlier this week. Though there was legitimate interest in adding him as a role player, he got a two-year contract with the Saints per reports. Butler’s ‘in’ with the Saints is defensive coordinator Ryan, formerly of the Cowboys, where both toiled the past couple of years.

Geathers, 25, is four years younger than sibling Robert Geathers (6-3, 280), who has 33 sacks in nine seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. Robert Geathers was selected in the fourth round of the 2004 draft.

Their uncle is James “Jumpy” Geathers (6-7, 295), who tormented the Eagles while playing for the Washington Redskins from 1990-92.

Butler (6-2, 245) had 11 sacks in four seasons with the Cowboys.

The Eagles could address outside linebacker early in a draft full of rush linebackers.

Topping the list of prospects is Dion Jordan, the 6-7, 240-pound product of Oregon, where Chip Kelly coached.